Question

Can somebody please put into plain english the definition of relative maximum and minimum

Answer 1

There is an absolute and a relative maximum.
The absolute maximum is the highest maximum on a graph. The relative maximum would be any additional maximum on a graph that is not the highest point on the graph.

Answer 2

if it higher than its local surroundings; its a local max

Answer 3

go to the left and drop; do to the right and drop; that means where you are is the highest :) same concept for lowest points

Answer 4

if your going by f'(x); if f'(x) goes from negative to positive; your scooping at a min

if f'(x) goes from positive to negative; your going over a hill a max

Answer 5

just think of a roller coasterride :)